gay rights

It’s been about five and a half years since same-sex marriage has been legal in Hawaii. In most countries in the Asia Pacific, those marriages are not recognized. But LGBT activists are cheering a decision this week by the highest court in Hong Kong.

It was a weekend of celebration in some communities across India – following last week’s Supreme Court ruling that legalized gay sex. The decision overturned a law that was on the books for more than 150 years, and the development is drawing attention from some of India’s neighbors.

A national vote is getting underway this week in Australia. Ballots have gone out by mail in a campaign that will last nearly two months. The results will not be binding, but might lead to another vote. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

More than two dozen countries around the world recognize marriage between members of the same sex. Australia appears to be moving in that direction, but there are some twists and turns along the way. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

It’s been a dramatic week in Asia for the gay community. Taiwan has moved a step closer to becoming the first government in Asia to approve same-sex marriage. And about 2,400 miles away, more than a hundred people were arrested because of suspicions about their sexual orientation. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

One of the most influential rallies in Asia supporting gay rights has just become a bit more exclusive. Organizers say the annual event in Singapore has run into some legal complications. HPR’s Bill Dorman explains in today’s Asia Minute.

Indonesia has become the focus of a case involving local laws and gay rights. It’s gaining broader attention around the region and this week the publicity has spread around the world. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

It’s been a little more than three years since Hawai‘i legalized same sex marriage. The issue of marriage equality is currently moving forward in Australia’s parliament. But there’s another location in the Asia Pacific that may approve it first. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

It’s been nearly a week since the U-S Supreme Court ruled that same sex couples have “a fundamental right to marry.” But in many countries, the issue remains unsettled. And in Australia it will get a broader hearing this summer. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

For more than a decade, Australia’s federal government has defined marriage as an act between a man and a woman.

Several states allow domestic partnerships….with varying degrees of rights attached to that phrasing.

It’s been about a year and a half since same sex couples have been able to legally marry in Hawai‘i. It’s a far different story in India, where homosexuality is a criminal offense. But this week, a mother’s desire to help her son find a partner has been making international headlines. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

State lawmakers met today to determine if they could convene a special session to pass same-sex marriage legislation. Hawaii would then be in line to become the 14th state to approve marriage equality. But as HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports, the House of Representatives failed to muster the pivotal votes it needed.

It’s still not clear whether or not the legislature will hold a special session to consider gay marriage in Hawaii. But in Singapore, the issue of gay rights is being discussed on a much more basic level. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Governor Abercrombie is waiting for word from the House leadership to determine whether there is enough support to pass a same-sex marriage bill. HPR’s Molly Solomon spoke with a lawmaker and has this report.